Los Angeles Lakers guard Avery Bradley decided to choose not to return to end the season in the Orlando bubble due to concerns about his son’s health.
As such, rumors began to emerge quickly about possible replacements for Bradley, as the Lakers can sign someone since he made that decision. The first name to appear as a possible replacement is veteran guard JR Smith, whom the Lakers previously resolved when considering adding players during the season.
Smith has reportedly been working with some Lakers players during the hiatus and is obviously familiar with superstar LeBron James. But Smith isn’t the only eye-catching and outspoken veteran guard with ties to the Lakers.
Nick Young was not in the league this season, but has been open on social media about wanting to return. Now, with the opportunity to potentially perform with his old team, Young has made it clear that he is ready to go if the Lakers need him, via ESPN NBA Twitter:
. @ NickSwagyPYoung is ready if the Lakers need him in Orlando 👀 pic.twitter.com/9KlvrSRd7M
– NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 24, 2020
Young brings many of the same things to the table as Smith. Young’s fort is shooting as he is a 37.6% shooter in his career from a three-point range, and experienced the best seasons of his career with the Lakers. In four seasons with LA, Young averaged 13.1 points while taking down 37.7% from deep in nearly six attempts per game.
Also, Young has championship experience, helping the Golden State Warriors win a title in 2018, though he certainly doesn’t play nearly the role Smith did with the Cavaliers in 2016. Regardless, Young is someone who brings championship and shooting experience. And you won’t be afraid of the biggest stage in the league.
If Young is in basketball form, he definitely marks many of the boxes the Lakers are looking for in a possible Bradley replacement. The Lakers are looking to make a championship run on this comeback and any player the team brings would need to be able to help out in that run. Young is someone who has the potential to play that role, and there are certainly much worse options available.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive event coverage, participate in live shows and more!
